The intensity of the struggle in the Mediterranean may be gauged from this diary entry of HMAS WATERHEN: ‘Torpedo attack by aircraft 3.30pm. Attack by 24 bombers escorted by 18 fighters. First salvo missed WATERHEN 40 yards clear on starboard side. CHALKA near-missed and leaking. Many soldiers killed on shore. Great dog fight by Gladiators, several bombers and Italian fighters shot down by our fighters. 7.15pm torpedo attack by aircraft turned away by fire from WATERHEN‘s main armament. 9pm left Salum on patrol westward of Bardia. ‘